Guidelines and change to Standard Conditions clarify rehabilitation expectations
| Date: | Monday, 11 December 2023 |
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The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) has released guidelines for preparing a Programme of Work application and the rehabilitation of exploration disturbances.
The Programme of Work Guidance and Exploration Rehabilitation Guidance was finalised following 10 weeks of public consultation.
The Response to Submissions is now available.
In conjunction with release of the guidelines, the department will be implementing changes to its Schedule of Standard Conditions to clarify its expectations for rehabilitation timing and practices. These new conditions are outlined in the Information Sheet on New Standard Conditions and will be imposed on all new mining tenements when granted.
DEMIRS Resource and Environmental Compliance Executive Director Tyler Sujdovic said the resulting guidelines will facilitate responsible resource exploration by supporting industry in meeting their obligations.
“While we will not compromise on Western Australia’s high environmental standards, the consultation process ensures industry are better placed to meet the conditions set,” he said.
“A positive outcome from this process is an update to the existing standard condition to extend the exploration rehabilitation timeframe from six months to 12 months, allowing industry sufficient time to rehabilitate to the standard expected.”
